John M. Overman, Phebe J. Overman, William P. Overman, Harriet C. Overman, Demcy C. Overman, and Edwin Brown, proprietors of the village of Cedar Falls, donated this public square to the city on April 12, 1853. The beautiful river with its natural waterfall and cedar-lined banks suggested to J.M. Overman, the first mayor of Cedar Falls, the name he gave the city.